Thirlwall Castle

Thirlwall Castle stands beside the River Tipalt near Greenhead in Northumberland, a 12th-century fortress built when the borderlands were often troubled. Its walls were later strengthened with stones taken from nearby Hadrian’s Wall, linking its story to the Roman frontier only a few metres away. The castle is now protected as a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument, recognising its national importance. Its name comes from the Middle English word ‘thirl’, meaning a small passage or gate, reflecting how sheep could move through the wall while cattle could not. The castle’s origins lie in the turbulent centuries after the Norman Conquest, when strongholds like this controlled the route west. The castle is worth visiting for its dramatic history and the courage shown by those who defended it. In 1485 Sir Percival Thirlwall carried Richard III’s standard at Bosworth, holding it aloft even after his legs were cut away. By the 18th century the family had left, and the castle passed through marriage to the Swinburne family before falling into ruin. Two major collapses in 1832 and 1982 left the ruins more exposed, yet they remain impressive. Since 1999 the Northumberland National Park Authority has cared for the site, preventing further loss. Its survival is a reminder of how quickly power and fortune can change. Visitors find a roofless shell of red sandstone, its tall walls still standing after centuries of wind and rain. The remains include a gatehouse and parts of the curtain wall, with Hadrian’s Wall stones clearly visible in the fabric. The river Tipalt flows nearby, adding to the quiet, remote feel of the place. The castle sits on a gentle rise, giving views across the valley towards the Pennines. A short walk leads to the remains of Hadrian’s Wall itself, linking the two monuments. The site is open and uncluttered, letting the stones speak for themselves.